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Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Football Outlook: 3 Must-Start Vs. Texans, Including Surprising Unit

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 2:10 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams kick off their 2025 season on Sunday at SoFi Stadium against the Houston Texans, opening a campaign filled with both playoff aspirations and fantasy football intrigue. Sean McVay’s group hasn’t advanced past the divisional round since their Super Bowl triumph in 2021, but the mix of veteran leadership and emerging stars makes them one of the league’s most compelling teams this fall.

For fantasy managers, several Rams are locked-in starters every week, beginning with Kyren Williams. The 25-year-old running back has been one of the most consistent producers at his position since taking over the lead role in 2023. A former fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame, Williams broke out with 1,144 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns that season, and followed it with 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground in 2024. His average of 17.7 PPR points per game since becoming the starter makes him nearly matchup-proof.

Williams, Nacua, And Rams Defense All Must Start In Fantasy Football Leagues

Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Football Outlook: 3 Must-Start Vs. Texans, Including Surprising Unit 3 Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Williams may see even more touches in Week 1 with Matthew Stafford easing back from a back injury that sidelined him for much of training camp. That uncertainty could push McVay to lean on the ground game against Houston.

Puka Nacua is the other must-start Ram. The third-year wideout has developed into a weekly WR1 regardless of matchup, while new arrival Davante Adams and tight end Tyler Higbee project as more matchup-dependent options.

Defensively, the Rams are an intriguing play. At first glance, Houston doesn’t look like a favorable opponent for streaming, with C.J. Stroud surrounded by playmakers like Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel. Yet their offensive line could be a major weakness. NFL.com’s Michael Florio pointed out:

“Only Caleb Williams had a higher sack rate than C.J. Stroud last year among QBs with 500 pass attempts. Plus, Houston’s offensive line arguably got worse this offseason with the loss of left tackle Laremy Tunsil.”

That sets up Jared Verse, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Kobie Turner to pressure Stroud early and often. With sacks and turnovers up for grabs, LA’s defense is in play for Week 1 as well.

The Rams have plenty to prove in 2025, but for fantasy managers, their stars should deliver right out of the gate.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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